The market for electric vehicle battery testing is growing rapidly. At the same time, terms such as battery test and battery readout are often used as if they were the same thing—despite clear differences in method, level of analysis, and results. DEKRA is now clarifying its battery test solutions to increase understanding of what different types of battery analyses actually show.
As the market for used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids grows, the need for independent and reliable battery analyses also increases. The condition of the high-voltage battery affects the vehicle’s value, lifespan, and future usability—while the battery itself is the most expensive component in an electric car.
For many buyers, battery health is therefore the single largest uncertainty factor when purchasing a used electric vehicle.
“When the value of used electric vehicles is heavily influenced by the battery’s health, it becomes increasingly important to understand what kind of data you are actually basing your decisions on,” says Joakim Hansson, Quality and HSE Manager at DEKRA Automotive AB.
Significant differences in analysis levels
At first glance, a battery readout and an independent battery test may be perceived as equivalent services, but the differences are significant—both in how the analyses are conducted and the information they actually provide.
Battery readout:
- Retrieves data directly from the vehicle’s system via OBD.
- Can provide a quick overview of the high-voltage battery’s estimated performance.
- Is based on the information that the vehicle itself reports, which is controlled by the manufacturer.
- Is conducted without putting a load on the battery through, for example, charging or driving.
Car manufacturers have different methods for reading and estimating the results from a battery readout. Since the measurement methods differ, the results cannot be compared between different car brands.
Independent battery test:
- Analyzes the high-voltage battery’s actual performance and State of Health (SoH) under load.
- Uses more parameters and load analyses.
- Provides a more comprehensive and independent basis for decision-making.
- Can reduce uncertainties in areas such as remarketing, leasing, and warranty claims.
An example of an independent battery test is the DEKRA Battery Test. It measures the battery’s actual resistance under load to determine the degradation in capacity based on a comparison with a brand-new car.
DEKRA clarifies its battery solutions
To make it easier for customers and the market to understand the differences between various types of battery analyses, DEKRA is now grouping its services under clearer and more descriptive names.
The former DEKRA SoH Readout – Report is now called DEKRA Battery Readout, while the independent and patented DEKRA Battery SoH Test – Certificate is changing its name to DEKRA Battery Test.
With the new names, DEKRA aims to contribute to increased transparency and make it easier to choose the right type of battery analysis based on needs and area of application.
“A battery readout can be a good first step, but it does not always provide the full picture of the high-voltage battery’s actual condition. We see a growing need to clarify the difference between different analysis levels, especially as the used market for electric vehicles continues to grow,” explains Joakim Hansson.
Growing need for independent verification
As more electric vehicles reach the secondary market, the need for standardized and independent battery tests is also expected to increase. Battery health is becoming an increasingly important factor for vehicle valuation, leasing, warranty management, and consumer confidence. An independent test according to a standardized measurement method with a load on the battery makes it possible to compare results between car brands and models. This is vital information for consumers in their choice.
At the same time, this development is driving an increased need for clearer industry standards and a better understanding of the difference between simple battery readouts and more comprehensive battery tests.
On November 1, 2025, new product declarations (VDN) for used cars were introduced, developed in collaboration between MRF (the Swedish Association for Motor Trade and Service) and the Swedish Consumer Agency. For the first time, electric vehicles are covered by a specific declaration—a step that marks a significant change in how electric vehicles are to be assessed and valued on the Swedish secondary market.
In the VDN declaration for used electric vehicles, the car’s battery health (State of Health, SoH) can be reported on a scale of 1–100. It must state which measurement method and which test brand were used.
DEKRA’s ambition is for their new product names to simplify and clarify the difference between a simple battery readout and a standardized independent battery test.
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